Trending
Williamsport City Council passed a resolution to create a small business and nonprofit grant program using $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds.
It will be available to small businesses on a dollar-for-dollar match with a $50,000 maximum grant allotment, said Jack Reagan of UHY, a city ARPA consulting firm.
Nonprofit grants are no dollar-for-dollar matching amount, he said.
UHY recommended a 60-day period to apply.
The application process will be explained on the city website, through webinars and paper applications.
The purpose is to alleviate impacts of pandemic disincentivizing business because of staffing challenges.
It also provides grants for qualifying nonprofits.
Councilman Eric Beiter sought to add language to give preferential treatment to new businesses but instead a third component will be included for that purpose.
UHY will be culling applications to ensure they are complete and oversee webinars and the program.
Paper grant applications may be put at the Visitors Bureau and Community Foundation of Pennsylvania building.
Councilman Jon Mackey asked if, hypothetically, there are 10 applications who decides? It was determined there will be a selection committee.
Effort will include advertising to get the word out on this program.
The foundation may be asked to reach out to nonprofits.
Part of getting federal grant dollars is for the businesses to meet federal guidelines.
The amount of the $1 million is not necessarily predicated on $500,000 for business and $500,000 for nonprofits.
It will more likely be $800,000 for small business and $200,000 for nonprofits. Caps on nonprofit grants are to be determined.
Council wanted to ensure the program can be modified based on the amount of application returns.
Councilwoman Liz Miele asked the administration to see how much non-allocated ARPA funds are available to see if there is more funding available for putting in this program.